Leaders and Experts Unite for the ‘Acting Now, Investing Smart – Partner Together to Tackle AMR’ Forum

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is no longer a future threat. With an estimated 39 million deaths and up to US$1.7 trillion in annual livestock GDP losses projected by 2050, AMR is already reshaping global health, economic stability and food systems. Against this backdrop, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), hosted in March the Forum ‘Acting Now, Investing Smart – Partner Together to Tackle AMR’. The forum convened leaders and experts from human and animal health, agriculture, aquaculture, environment, climate, pandemic resilience, economics and security sectors to confront a pressing reality: AMR is already here, and its impacts will deepen unless the world acts collectively, decisively and urgently.

About the Forum

AMR is not a distant threat but a present crisis demanding urgent action.

Emmanuelle Soubeyran, WOAH Director General, sounded a stark warning:

AMR is a global multisectoral crisis with no borders that can exponentially grow without decisive action. Without our determination and collective voices, the burden of AMR on humans, animals, plants, and the environment will be far graver than current estimates.

Mark Pearson, Acting Director for OECD’s Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, underscored AMR’s dual health and economic urgency: ‘Every year, AMR drains nearly USD 1 trillion from health systems and economies worldwide…Our analysis shows that if we take decisive action to eliminate AMR, average global life expectancy would be 1.8 years higher in 2035 than under current AMR policy action. This is equivalent to re-gaining more than twice the average life expectancy lost in European countries during COVID-19’.

The same WOAH and the World Bank co-published study showed that drug-resistant pathogens could jeopardise the food supply of over two billion people, raise healthcare costs by US$159 billion per year by 2050, and reduce global GDP by US$40 billion annually if business-as-usual continues. In contrast, achieving a 30% reduction in animal antimicrobial use within five years could raise global GDP by US$14 billion by 2050, with further gains possible through optimal use over 20 years.

The Intersection of AMR with Other Global Agendas

AMR is not a sectoral issue. Esteemed special guest, Professor Dame Sally Davies, former UK Chief Medical Officer and a leading advocate for AMR awareness and action worldwide, underlined the connection of AMR with other issues:

AMR is not a vertical programme — it’s about strengthening systems everywhere: our food chains, human health systems, companion animals, even our economic structures. If we truly care about real impact, AMR and animal health must be linked with other global agendas.

The forum emphasised that AMR is deeply intertwined with pandemic prevention, climate change, biodiversity loss and national security. Resistant pathogens can spread through trade routes, livestock movements and environmental contamination, while climate-driven stress on animals and ecosystems amplifies infection and resistance. ‘We have to connect the dots: between AMR, pandemic prevention, economic stability, climate change and global security’, Davies added.  

United by a shared urgency to accelerate action, participants explored ways to mobilise investment, align global efforts and prioritise funding opportunities capable of delivering long-term impact through a One Health approach. The Forum provided a platform for presenting WOAH and OECD’s five-year strategic visions, alongside joint initiatives and partnership pathways between the two organisations.

The  Forum in Three Acts 

• What Have We Learned? 
  An evidence-rich panel showcased progress in AMR surveillance, multisectoral governance, companion animal health, as well as the legacy of the Fleming Fund. The discussion demonstrated what is possible when resources are directed with purpose. 
• AMR at the Crossroads
  Facilitated by Dame Sally Davies, this session examined how AMR intersects with major global challenges, including pandemic preparedness, economic stability, climate change and global security. This discussion reinforced the case that addressing AMR strengthens resilience across every major global agenda. 
• Looking Ahead to 2030 
  Following presentations on the strategic visions, a World Café format enabled direct dialogue around four collaborative topics: substandard and falsified products, the economic case for AMR, integrated surveillance and aquaculture. The conversations pointed clearly towards partnership-driven solutions.

A Call to Action We Take Forward Together 

AMR is not a challenge any single country, organisation or sector can resolve alone. The Forum reaffirmed that progress depends on the depth, quality and durability of partnerships, supported by predictable and adequate financing. Addressing AMR in only one sector is not enough. Without coordinated action across human, animal, plant and environmental health, resistant pathogens can persist and spread, undermining national and global efforts to control AMR and putting everyone at risk.

The forum emphasised the urgent need to invest in prevention strategies including vaccine development, improved biosecurity, infection prevention and control, as well as waste management, to strengthen health systems and reduce antimicrobial use. It also called for greater investment, sustained political commitment and multisectoral collaboration to close funding gaps, enhance surveillance, and scale up prevention efforts globally. Additionally, the forum urged that AMR be included on the agendas of finance ministries alongside health ministries. 

Sustained investment is essential to advance commitments under the United Nations Political Declaration on AMR by 2030 and to implement the updated Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance (2026–2030). Through mechanisms such as WOAH’s World Fund, resource partners can help translate strategic vision into concrete, measurable actions and deliver lasting improvements in animal health and welfare.

WOAH and OECD stand ready to engage with partners wishing to explore how they can contribute financially to advancing this agenda.  Together, we can, and must, act now and invest smart. 

More information

Acting Now, Investing Smart – Partner Together to Tackle AMR, Forum webpage

Investing in Animal Health to Curb AMR

Responding to Substandard and Falsified Veterinary Products to Curb AMR

Strengthening Integrated Surveillance for Evidence-Based Actions in Animal Health

Enhancing Knowledge and Use of Economic Data around AMR

Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance in Aquaculture

Contact: Veterinary Products and Drug Resistance Department [email protected]

WOAH launches a pilot to simplify the official animal health status procedure

In response to concerns raised by Members about the administrative burden associated with the annual reconfirmation procedure, WOAH and its Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases (the Commission) launched a streamlining initiative. The objective is to simplify the procedure while ensuring continued alignment with the Terrestrial Animal Health Code. The pilot phase is ready to be launched.

Revised reconfirmation form for foot and mouth disease (without vaccination)

At the Commission’s request, WOAH developed a revised annual reconfirmation form for foot and mouth disease (FMD) last year. The updated form features closed-ended, concise questions and tailored guidance indicating when additional information is required.

This form was first shared with Members as an annex to the Commission’s September 2025 meeting report. Following feedback received from Members, the Commission endorsed further refinements at its February 2026 meeting and recommended piloting the form for Members having an FMD-free status where vaccination is not practised.

Pilot phase to gather Members’ feedback

Members having expressed interest in streamlining annual reconfirmations and provided input to date –ensuring balanced  representation across WOAH Regions – will be invited to participate in this pilot test.

The pilot will gather feedback from end users, identify  technical or operational challenges and propose more effective approaches for submitting supporting documentation, in line with the requirements of the Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Its outcomes will inform the timeline for full implementation and ensure the final process reflects Members’ practical needs and operating realities.

Engage with us during the 93rd General Session

To support continued dialogue, the WOAH Status Department will host a dedicated kiosk on Official Status Recognition during the 93rd General Session this May. All WOAH Members are warmly encouraged to visit the kiosk and engage with the team.

Open call for Members to express interest

The WOAH Status Department invites Members to take part in this initiative. Expressions of interest should be sent to the WOAH Status Department [email protected] by 29 May 2026.

Contact: WOAH Status Department ([email protected])

Authors: A. Bouma, H.A. Lim, T.J.D. van Riet, H.I.J. Roest

Since 2021, high pathogenicity of avian influenza virus H5N1 (HPAI H5N1) has spread worldwide.  It is present in many countries, causing widespread infections in poultry that are often controlled through large-scale culling. The virus is also established in wild bird populations and has led to infections in several mammal species. While human infections remain rare, the risk of a broader public health event, such as a pandemic, cannot be ignored. Reducing virus spread is therefore a priority for both animal and human health. Vaccination could be one of the tools to support this goal and should not be hampered by unjustified trade barriers.

Global situation of HPAI

HPAI H5N1 continues to cause recurring outbreaks in poultry and mammals, with often devastating impacts on the poultry sector and wild animal populations. Control measures rely largely on culling infected flocks, leading to the loss of millions of birds. This approach warrants reconsideration, particularly given the sustained circulation of the virus in wild bird populations. More sustainable, long-term strategies are needed, and vaccination could serve as a valuable additional tool to achieve this goal.

Vaccination, animal health and safe trade

In 2023, the WOAH World Assembly of Delegates adopted Resolution No. 28, recognising vaccination as a complementary disease control tool. WOAH international standards stipulate that vaccination use does not affect a country’s HPAI-free status, provided surveillance demonstrates the absence of infection.

Despite this progress, several challenges remain. Vaccination programmes are currently applied in only a limited number of at-risk countries. Although more countries are considering vaccination, concerns about vaccination and surveillance costs, product value and potential impacts on international trade continue to limit uptake, especially in exporting countries. While some trade barriers are justified, others appear disproportionate and need further discussion.

To address these challenges, the Netherlands set up an international working group on HPAI vaccination and trade. Together with Canada, the European Commission, France, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and WOAH, the Netherlands organised a meeting of this working group last January. Participants agreed to work together to make HPAI vaccination feasible in the near future, providing necessary assurances to allow safe trade.  

Key issues to be addressed

The working group underlined the need to develop and recognise minimum requirements that would facilitate international trade in products from vaccinated poultry and eliminate unjustified trade barriers. The group also noted that agreements with respect to vaccination and trade should be aligned with existing international standards, such as zoning, and should include appropriate surveillance and control measures that support virus control while maintaining trade confidence.

Next steps

A side event will be organised during the WOAH General Session in May. The international working group will present progress to date and outline planned activities. The focus will be on improving understanding of vaccination performance and exploring the development of minimum, widely supported surveillance programme requirements to demonstrate the absence of infection and facilitate trade in products from vaccinated poultry.

In addition, WOAH will develop guidelines for surveillance of HPAI in vaccinated poultry population, with the aim of supporting disease status recognition and safe trade.

Members interested in supporting future vaccination efforts are encouraged to express their interest.

Looking ahead

The goal is to move towards a more sustainable poultry sector that prioritises animal health and welfare, while also protecting public health and the environment.

Report of the Governance Review Committee to the World Assembly of Delegates – 93rd General Session (2026)

As WOAH prepares for the 93rd General Session in May this year, the Governance Review Committee (GRC) has released its 2026 report outlining proposals to modernise and strengthen the Organisation’s governance framework. Developed through extensive Member consultation and regional engagement, these recommendations will be submitted to the World Assembly of Delegates (WOAH Assembly) for consideration and decision, marking a milestone in the ongoing governance review. The report reflects both the progress achieved during Phase 1 of the Committee’s work and the collective commitment of Members to building a more transparent, efficient and inclusive Organisation.

Progress to Date (May 2025 – March 2026)

Over the past year, the GRC has held six meetings and launched two subgroups to codify WOAH’s mandate and review the organisation and governance of its technical bodies. It has also carried out consultations with all five Regional Commissions, ensuring that regional perspectives and priorities remain central to shaping the Committee’s proposed reforms.

Seven Recommendations for Member Consideration

In its 2026 report, the Committee has put forward seven recommendations for consideration by the WOAH Assembly at its 93rd General Session in May 2026. In line with Resolution No. 5 (2025), these proposals aim to strengthen WOAH’s institutional, regional and financial governance.

The recommendations are to:

• Increase transparency regarding WOAH Members’ financial contributions and arrears.
• Launch a consultation and analysis process on moving from WOAH’s self-selection statutory contribution model to a compulsory, formula-based system.
• Clarify and reinforce WOAH’s sanctions model for Members in arrears.
• Expand the ability of delegation members to speak and vote at the General Session with the Delegate’s authorisation.
• Modernise the roles and functions of Regional Commissions and their Bureaus.
• Transform the Past President seat on the WOAH Council into an elected position.
• Introduce a three-tier, risk-based framework for cooperation agreements, allowing the Council and Director General to finalise certain agreements under defined conditions.

Together, these recommendations aim to clarify key aspects of WOAH’s governance, improve the  consistency of oversight, strengthen financial arrangements and update roles and processes across the Organisation.

Strong Member Engagement and Phase 1 Extension

Member engagement has been central to the GRC’s work. Active participation from all regions has helped shape the Committee’s proposals and ensure they reflect shared priorities. Building on this momentum, Phase 1 has been extended to the 94th General Session in 2027, allowing the GRC to continue refining its work through inclusive consultation and sustained collaboration with Members.

What’s Next?

The GRC report will be presented during the WOAH’s virtual Regional Commissions meetings in May, offering Members another opportunity to exchange views on the Committee’s recommendations. The proposals will then be formally considered by the WOAH Assembly during the 93rd General Session in May.

Key Dates to Watch

• Virtual Regional Commissions meetings: May (several dates)
• Next GRC Meeting (GRC 10): 14–15 May 2026
• 93rd General Session: 18–22 May 2026

Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us in shaping the future of WOAH governance. Together, we are building a stronger, more transparent Organisation that advances animal health and welfare for a healthier, more sustainable world.

To learn more, explore the GRC Report to the 93rd General Session and the GRC website.

Contact: GRC Secretariat ([email protected])

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WOAH has launched the Guidelines Surveillance of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza for Smallholder Poultry Systems in Resource-Limited Settings, providing Veterinary Authorities and Veterinary Services involved in high pathogenicity avian influenza(HPAI) surveillance, as well as wildlife, environmental and public health services, animal diagnostic laboratories and other One Health partners with practical recommendations to assist in designing surveillance programmes for the detection of HPAI virus in smallholder poultry systems (SHPS), tailored to the needs and contexts of resource-limited settings.

What the Guidelines Contain

The guidelines Section 1 showcases the diversity and complexity of SHPS beyond the value chain and highlights the importance of community participation to address issues associated with poultry health and enhance effective disease surveillance programmes in such settings.

Section 2 outlines the main objectives, target audience and the international framework, standards and existing tools that link to this guidance.

Section 3 provides six practical phases for developing a surveillance programme in a participative manner — from defining objectives and mapping poultry systems to choosing methods, setting up communication and reporting pathways, and evaluating performance.

Section 4 focuses on training, including a training of trainers model to strengthen local capacity.

The Annex contains ready-to-use tools, templates, figures and evaluation indicators to help users apply the guidance in the field.

Why Did WOAH Develop These Guidelines?

Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) of the world face several challenges in preventing and responding to avian influenza outbreaks, particularly among smallholder (backyard) poultry farmers. Low-sensitivity surveillance systems in SHPS hinder early detection, thereby increasing the spread of the virus. Furthermore, conventional surveillance programmes often demand substantial and ongoing funding while lacking the flexibility to address the full range of disease surveillance needs in SHPS, particularly where resources are constrained.

In the 90th WOAH General Session in May 2023, following the animal health forum and technical item on avian influenza, Resolution No. 28 was adopted that include the recommendation to support poultry keepers, particularly small holders, in implementing correct usage of disease prevention and control tools, such as enhanced biosecurity, early identification of clinical signs and reporting, to prevent the introduction and spread of HPAI. It was identified as a need to provide Members with practical surveillance guidelines targeting small-scale poultry farmers (backyard), tailored to the local socio-economic context.

To this end, WOAH has published these practical guidelines tailored to local contexts, safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring the stability of the poultry industry.

How Were the Guidelines Developed?

In 2025, WOAH launched a consultancy to develop these science-based guidelines. They were authored by experts from the Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong and the Institut National de Recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement, France.

In April 2025, the first draft underwent peer review by a WOAH ad hoc Group, which provided expert opinions and recommendations while ensuring diverse and regional perspectives were considered. The WOAH Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases (SCAD) also reviewed the draft to confirm scientific soundness and alignment with WOAH international standards. Following these reviews and revisions, the guidelines were officially published on the WOAH website (English, French, Spanish) in January 2026.

WOAH encourages users of these guidelines to share their implementation experience and to provide constructive feedback through WOAH Delegates or their representatives, so that this publication can be further refined and adapted to the ever-changing ecology of HPAI viruses, food production systems and surveillance tools.

More information

Recording of the launch webinar on 25 February 2026: Launch of Guidelines on Surveillance of HPAI for Smallholder Poultry Systems in Resource-Limited Settings

Contact: Science and Disease Management Department ([email protected])

Focus Forward Workshop to Help Align UPCVM Curriculum with WOAH Standards

Authors: Dr Armando E. Hoet, Dr Amanda Berrian, Dr Jim Ferrara, Dr Alice Matos, Matt Pugh, Dr Michelle Grace V. Paraso, Dr Jovencio Hubert A. Abalos, Dr Emmanuel P. Hernandez, Dr Fletcher P. Del Valle, Dr Mark Joseph M. Desamero

To ensure that future Filipino veterinarians are globally competent and responsive to emerging animal and public health challenges, the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Veterinary Medicine (UPCVM) conducted a Focus Forward Workshop [1] to align its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Day-1 Competencies and core curriculum standards.

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen veterinary education in South East Asia, UPCVM and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine (OSU CVM) hosted a two-day Focus Forward Workshop last year in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines. The primary purpose of this event was to develop a three-year action plan to help harmonise the UPCVM curriculum with the WOAH Day-1 Competencies. Participants included faculty members, recent graduates, current students and external stakeholders, representing local and national government agencies as well as the private sector. In particular, the event brought together participants from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) of the Department of Agriculture; municipal and city veterinarians from local government units; representatives from key companies like Boehringer Ingelheim and Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines; private veterinary clinics and professional collegial organisations. This workshop represents the latest phase of the ‘Assessment and Implementation of Day-1 Competencies’ (AID-1C) model – a methodology developed during the WOAH Twinning program to systematically evaluate and harmonise veterinary curricula with WOAH Day-1 Competencies [2].

Building veterinary workforce capacity through WOAH Day-1 Competencies

Building a veterinary workforce with the capacity to respond to transboundary and emerging infectious diseases is a focus area of the WOAH Day-1 Competencies critical to global health security. The 2023 WOAH Panorama Bulletin detailed the first two steps of the AID-1C process for UPCVM: ‘Assessment of the proficiency of the VEE’s graduates in Day-1 Competencies using a structured Evaluation Tool’ and ‘A systematic curricular review and evaluation’ [3]. These initial phases critically examined the current curriculum against WOAH’s standards, and a technical report was produced to identify gaps [2]. The AID-1C model’s goal is to ensure that veterinary graduates possess the competencies, deemed essential by WOAH, to contribute effectively to both animal and public health sectors as entry-level professionals within national Veterinary Services. For UPCVM, benchmarking its curriculum against WOAH standards for Day-1 Competencies ensures that its graduates are well prepared not only for the national veterinary workforce but also for international practice and mobility, in alignment with its vision and mission.

A Forward-Looking Approach for Action Plan Development for Curriculum Improvement  

The Focus Forward (FF) methodology is designed to help veterinary educational establishments develop customised action plans to improve the veterinary curriculum. [1] The FF methodology uses a structured two-day workshop to foster collaborative problem-solving and solution prioritisation by multiple internal and external stakeholders. The first day of this event is concentrated on presenting the identified gaps regarding Day-1 Competencies in the current veterinary curriculum as determined by previously conducted assessments and evaluations, e.g. AID-1C Evaluation Tool, graduate exit surveys, and other feedback mechanisms. Participants worked in mixed groups to analyse the root causes of these deficiencies and brainstorm practical, innovative solutions tailored to the local context and the institutional realities of the veterinary educational establishment (VEE), which will implement the action plan. The second day is focused on prioritisation and strategic planning. Attendees vote in real-time on the most critical or innovative solutions identified the previous day. This transparent and collective approach to identifying the most successful and sustainable solutions, taking into account local circumstances, contributes to the collaborative development of an action plan that will help UPCVM implement curriculum improvements aligned with WOAH Day-1 Competencies.

Shaping Action Through Stakeholder Input

One of the key strengths of the Focus Forward approach lies in its collaborative and participatory design. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders – recent graduates, current students and faculty, local government representatives, national agency officials and private sector leaders – the workshop ensures that proposed solutions addressed real-world needs and expectations for veterinary services across the Philippines.

One participant stated in the post-event evaluation, ‘I really appreciate that this workshop included faculty, stakeholders, students and other involved individuals! It recognised the importance of connections and collaborations within the veterinary community’. This inclusive process not only validates stakeholder perspectives but also builds shared ownership early on, which is essential for successful implementation.

Toward Action and Impact  

The workshop addressed a broad set of challenges ranging from curriculum content and practical training to resource constraints, and graduate professional readiness. Key gaps included insufficient exposure to regulatory frameworks, limited teaching capacity on transboundary, zoonotic and foodborne diseases, inadequate laboratory training opportunities, limited experience in rural practice settings, and low awareness of diverse career pathways.

Participants generated more than 150 possible solutions, with 90 prioritised for strategic planning. Each solution was refined to define preliminary activities, implementation teams, timelines and expected outputs, creating a structured pathway from ideas to measurable results.

Examples of planned activities over the next three years include:

• Expanding training opportunities through partnerships with the public and private sector, enabling students and faculty to access field sites, laboratories, farms and technical expertise that the college cannot provide on its own.
• Co-developing hands-on exercises (e.g. case studies, tabletop exercises) with public and private partners to increase practical application of knowledge and skills in outbreak investigation and response.
• Inviting external experts, from government, industry and specialty colleges to teach topics where faculty experience and expertise are limited and to raise awareness on careers in veterinary medicine.

These initiatives highlight how collaboration, and particularly public-private partnerships, will be central to implementing the action plan. By exchanging resources, expertise and training opportunities, partners can accelerate improvements in both teaching quality and day-1 readiness. Importantly, the workshop itself served as the first step in building this multistakeholder buy‑in, creating momentum for implementation. UPCVM is already preparing to launch the action plan, supported by strong commitment from both the institution and external partners in both the government and the private sector.

Expanding Regional Impact

As a designated ‘hub’ institution for the AID-1C methodology in the region, UPCVM’s technical team plans to support its implementation throughout South East Asian veterinary schools over the coming years, beginning with other veterinary colleges in the Philippines.  Strengthening curriculum implementation in the region, particularly with a focus on Day‑1 Competencies, is a critical component of capacity building and supports South East Asia’s broader efforts to modernise veterinary education. This investment supports the Veterinary Services, which are essential for protecting global health and enabling safe international trade.

Learn More: For more information on the Focus Forward methodology and previous workshops conducted across Asia and Africa, read the original WOAH Panorama article: Strengthening Veterinary Education to Safeguard Animal and Public Health 

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References

1. Hoet, A. E., Matos, A., Carderón, A., Rodríguez, C. M. (2026) From data to action – the Focus Forward methodology: a participatory, multistakeholder approach for solution prioritization and action plan development. Frontiers in education, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1667571

2. Hoet, A. E., Swisher, S., Berrian, A. M., Bessler, A. L., & Grozdic, I. (2024). Assessment and Implementation of WOAH Day 1 Competencies (AID-1C): a cyclical methodology for curriculum harmonization with international standards. Frontiers in veterinary science, 11, 1390779. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1390779

3. Swisher, S., Bessler, A., Kalley, A., Grozdic, I., Berrian, A., & Hoet, A. E. (2023, February 22). The assessment and implementation of Day-1 competencies (AID-1C) in veterinary education: A scalable and repeatable methodology. WOAH Bulletin – Panorama. World Organisation for Animal Health. Retrieved March 2026, from https://bulletin.woah.org/?panorama=04-2-2-2023-1_aid-1c

WOAH has launched the Guidelines Mitigating Disease Transmission Risk at the Wildlife–Livestock Interface to Facilitate Safe Trade, providing Veterinary Services with practical guidance to manage disease transmission risks where wildlife and livestock interact. The guidelines respond directly to Members’ needs to control transboundary animal diseases while maintaining continuity of safe national and international trade.

Why Did WOAH Develop These Guidelines?

Transboundary animal diseases (TADs), such as African swine fever (ASF), avian influenza (AI) and foot and mouth disease (FMD) continue to spread worldwide, with serious consequences for animal health, trade and livelihoods. In many countries where these diseases are endemic, infections can pass between wild and domestic animals, sustaining infection transmission cycles that are difficult to control because of the complex factors and risk pathways involved.

Importantly, for some diseases, WOAH standards allow the recognition of animal health status in effectively separated subpopulations and require that Members do not ban international livestock trade on the sole ground of disease occurrence in wildlife.

In this context, Members have requested WOAH guidance on managing risk at wildlife–livestock interface (WLI) for disease control purposes, while preserving the animal health status of domestic subpopulations for business continuity.

How Were the Guidelines Developed?

In 2024, WOAH launched a consultancy to develop technical guidelines addressing disease management at the wildlife–livestock interface.

The guidelines were authored by Prof. Christian Gortázar, Dr Joaquín Vicente and Dr Ursula Höfle from the Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spain—an internationally recognised team with extensive expertise in this field.

In January 2025, the first draft underwent peer review by a WOAH ad hoc Group, which provided expert opinions and recommendations while ensuring that regional perspectives were considered. The WOAH Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases (SCAD) also reviewed the draft to confirm scientific soundness and alignment with WOAH international standards. Additionally, the WOAH Working Group on Wildlife  was consulted to ensure wildlife-related aspects were accurately addressed.

Following these reviews and revisions, the guidelines were officially published on the WOAH website in December 2025.

How Should the Guidelines Be Used?

The guidelines offer practical approaches for managing disease spillover risk between wildlife and livestock across a wide range of farming systems. They propose a structured methodology enabling Veterinary Services to manage WLI scenarios through customised risk mitigation programmes tailored to local conditions and needs.

Rather than offering prescriptive solutions, the guidelines present a flexible framework for addressing wildlife–livestock interfaces. Case studies and field examples illustrate how risk mitigation measures can be adapted to different epidemiological contexts.

Effective disease risk management must be tailored to local realities, taking into account geography, production systems, wildlife species and the target disease. All interventions should align with WOAH international standards and relevant national regulations.

Their effective use requires a solid background in veterinary sciences, particularly disease epidemiology, and benefits from knowledge of wildlife ecology. A clear understanding of the specific WLI scenario, farming practices and key risk pathways is essential for successful implementation.

WOAH encourages Members to make use of the guidelines to better implement the provisions outlined in the international standards and to share their experiences with the Organisation.

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Resources

Recording of the launch webinar on 15 January 2026: Webinar: Launch of Guidelines ‘Mitigating Disease Transmission Risk at the Wildlife – Livestock Interface to Facilitate Safe Trade’ – WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health

WOAH’s 3rd Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction

WOAH convened its 3rd Global Conference on Biological Threat Reduction in Geneva from 28 – 30 October, marking a major milestone in global biosecurity. Building on previous editions in 2015 and 2017, this landmark event brought together international experts to strengthen preparedness against biological threats.

The year 2025 was a historic one for health security, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention and the centenary of the Geneva Protocol. Against this backdrop, WOAH united Members, partners and specialists to review past challenges, anticipate emerging risks and identify bold strategies for world-changing action.

What are Biological Threats?

Biological threats involve the deliberate release of pathogens or toxins into a population. While most disease outbreaks occur naturally, accidental or deliberate introductions cannot be ignored. Though the likelihood of such events may be low, their potential impact on animal and human health is catastrophic – at national, regional and global levels.

Animal pathogens pose a serious concern. They can be weaponised or exploited in agro-crime and agro-terrorism because they have high impact, are easy to propagate and can cross borders undetected. Learn more in our Animal Echo article: From Fiction to Reality: The Threat of Agro-Terrorism and watch the short fictional film The Fever, created for the Conference.

Biological Threat Reduction: Our Shared Responsibility

Combating biological threats is a shared responsibility. It requires collaboration across sectors and expertise – from animal health to public health, security and beyond. That was the purpose of the Global Conference: to unite people with knowledge, interest and willingness to act.

Global Conference Highlights

In her opening remarks, WOAH Director General Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran urged Veterinary Services to take biological threats seriously, noting they are on the frontline of defence. She called on the security sector to integrate Veterinary Services into both national and international biosecurity policies, stressing the importance of coordinated prevention, detection and response.

Keynote speaker Lord Andrew Parker, former Director General of MI5, reinforced this message, urging participants to not ‘let differences between nations divide us’. His words set the scene for the Conference: strengthening international efforts in biological threat reduction and fostering multisectoral partnerships in global health.

Nearly 500 participants from 95 countries attended, representing:

• Veterinary Services and animal health
• Law Enforcement
• Public health
• Disarmament
• Academia
• Students
• Private industry
• International organisations

The programme highlighted key components of biological threat reduction.

• Day One: Understanding the threat landscape – drivers, deliberate events and underrepresented risks.
• Day Two: Advances in science and technology – surveillance, diagnostics and emergency management.
• Day Three: Action – global frameworks, advocacy and investment strategies.

Access full replays and presentations on the Conference website.

Side Events

Participants explored specialised topics through side events, including:

• Safeguarding Africa’s bioeconomy
• Countering mis/disinformation
• Collaboration between Law Enforcement and Veterinary Services
• Reviewing the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence
• A cross-sectoral simulation exercise

Looking Ahead

WOAH aimed for an action-oriented outcome. Participants were invited to submit commitments to action before and during the event, resulting in over 50 concrete pledges from Delegates, Law Enforcement, international organisations, private sector actors, regional bodies and investment partners. These commitments form a solid foundation for follow-up and real-world impact.

The most effective way to limit animal-related biothreats is to strengthen animal and human health systems for surveillance, early detection and rapid response – while building partnerships with the security sector.

This often-invisible work is crucial to keeping systems safe and functional.

The Global Conference highlighted innovative solutions and the partnerships needed to combat biological threats effectively. It was not just a discussion – it was a call to action.

Learn more about WOAH’s biothreat reduction initiatives

Contact: Madison Wimmers ([email protected]) or Dan Donachie ([email protected]).

Introducing the Veterinary Medicines Regulatory Agency Self-Assessment Tool

Many countries lack the capacity to fully assess how effective their National Regulatory Authorities are in regulating veterinary medicines. This gap often leads to weak regulation, poor-quality or counterfeit medicines on the market and the misuse of antimicrobials [1]. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) supports countries in addressing these challenges by promoting enabling tools to help strengthen regulatory systems, improve veterinary medicine quality control and protect both animal and public health [2].

To bridge this gap, the United Kingdom Veterinary Medicine Directorate (UK-VMD) is developing and piloting the Veterinary Medicines Regulatory Self-Assessment Tool (VMRA-SAT). Designed to help countries assess how effectively they regulate veterinary medicinal products (VMPs), this pilot phase will show how effectively countries can evaluate their regulatory systems, identify weaknesses and strengthen their oversight of veterinary medicinal products [1].

What the Tool Assesses

The VMRA-SAT should guide national authorities through evidence-based questions covering:

• Legal authority to enforce regulations
• Definition and classification of veterinary medicine/medicinal product
• Institutional capacity and resources
• Risk management and compliance mechanisms
• Post-market monitoring of VMPs for safety, quality and efficacy
• Stakeholder and public engagement
  
  

After the assessment, countries receive a detailed report outlining strengths, weaknesses and recommendations for improvement [1].

Shaped by International Standards

To design the tool, the UK-VMD reviewed several assessment and benchmarking tools, including WOAH’s PVS Pathway, WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool, the EU’s BEMA system and the World Bank’s EBA reports. It identified WHO’s Global Benchmarking Tool as the best fit. The VMRA-SAT adopts this tool’s structure – covering legal, institutional and operational areas – while tailoring its indicators to reflect how veterinary medicines are regulated in practice [1].

Collaboration and Pilot studies

The UK-VMD, in partnership with GALVmed and WOAH under the Better Regulation Project [3], has piloted the VMRA-SAT in several regions including Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) and the Americas (Mexico, Chile) with more pilots planned in other regions of the world. The long-term goal is to fit the VMRA-SAT tool into a global veterinary regulatory strengthening framework that helps countries assess, compare and strengthen their veterinary medicines regulation.

Why It Matters

Effective regulation of veterinary medicines ensures that veterinary products used in animals are safe, effective and of high quality. This contributes directly to improved animal health and food safety while supporting global efforts to contain the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) [4].

Call to Action

WOAH invites interested Members to explore or pilot the VMRA-SAT and share feedback to help refine and scale the tool globally. Kindly email the WOAH contact person below, who will liaise with the UK-VMD.

Together, we can strengthen veterinary medicine regulation and contribute to a safer, more sustainable future.

WOAH contact: Agatha Ugboma ([email protected])

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References

1. Joseph N., Borriello S.P., Eckford S., Oyati O. (2025). – Development of a self-assessment/benchmarking tool for regulators of veterinary medicines. In Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Veterinary Humanities and Social Sciences, 12, 1648556. http://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1648556.  
2. World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) (2025). – Ensuring access to quality veterinary products. https://www.woah.org/en/what-we-offer/quality-veterinary-products/.
3. GALVmed (2024). – New project to improve access to quality veterinary products through better regulation in sub-Saharan Africa. https://www.galvmed.org/news/new-project-to-improve-access-to-quality-veterinary-products-through-better-regulation-in-sub-saharan-africa/.
4. Vidhamaly V., Bellingham K., Newton P.N., Caillet C. (2022). – The quality of veterinary medicines and their implications for One Health. BMJ Global Health, 7(8), e008564. https://gh.bmj.com/content/7/8/e008564.

The Governance Review Committee (GRC) is examining how WOAH’s governance can better serve its Members and strengthen global animal health in a rapidly changing global context. During recent GRC meetings in September and November 2025, discussions focused on making governance more transparent, efficient and representative, and ensuring the Organisation remains responsive to Members’ priorities.

Governance Reforms in Focus: Highlights from GRC-6 and GRC-7

The GRC has made steady progress in strengthening WOAH’s institutional and regional governance. At GRC-6, the Committee explored future roles and functions of the Council and Regional Commissions and how they can collaborate more effectively to tackle global and regional animal health priorities. It also began looking at ways to strengthen support for Delegates through their advisors in the WOAH Assembly and Council.

At GRC-7, held in Paris and online, discussions expanded to three critical areas of governance reform:

• Codifying WOAH’s Mandate – reinforcing WOAH’s global leadership in animal health.

• Financial Governance – reviewing WOAH’s statutory contribution model and resource mobilisation strategy to safeguard WOAH’s long-term sustainability and its ability to deliver for Members and the global animal health community.

• Technical Governance – improving how WOAH’s technical bodies (Specialist Commissions, ad hoc Groups and Working Groups) are structured and work together to develop WOAH standards, official animal health status assessments and other critical scientific and technical outputs.

To maintain momentum, the GRC created two subgroups focused on WOAH’s mandate and the organisation of technical bodies.

Why It Matters: Building a Future-Ready Organisation

The span of reforms recommended by the GRC will ensure that WOAH’s governance is strong, transparent and fit for present and future challenges. They will enable the Organisation to continue delivering global contributions to animal health and welfare in an efficient, effective, sustainable and inclusive way.

What’s Coming Up: Key Dates to Watch

• Next GRC Meetings: January and February 2026.
• GRC Report to the 93rd General Session: March 2026.

How to Get Involved

Regional consultations with WOAH Members are ongoing – Delegates and other contact points should watch for the next round in December or early 2026.

Additionally, Delegates can track GRC progress directly through the Delegate Portal, which provides meeting documents, background papers and summaries.

All Members are encouraged to stay engaged by sharing their ideas and feedback with their regional GRC representatives. Together, we are building a stronger, more transparent Organisation fit for the future, advancing animal health and welfare for a healthier, more sustainable world.

Contact: GRC Secretariat ([email protected])

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